It has officially been confirmed that Avenged Sevenfold's former drummer Jimmy "The Rev" Sullivan's death was caused by an accidental overdose of prescription drugs and alcohol.

Toxicology reports indicate that Sullivan suffered acute polydrug intoxication due to combined effects of Oxycodone, Oxymorphone, Diazepam/Nordiazepam and ethanol. Oxycodone is a painkiller, Oxymorphone is also a painkiller, similar to Morphine, Diazepam/Nordiazepam are anxiety medications and ethanol is the intoxicant in alcohol.

Don't ask. It's mostly thrown in either to be discrete and respectful, or to imply he wasn't the sharpest pencil in the box. Or maybe just like Dev said, didn't actually intend to od. I just read the article and posted the news, I'm not a doctor.

Still a huge RIP though, was a great musician and I'm sure was a great person too.

None of us know what he was going through, or what was going through his head. For all we know the guy may have had some mental disabillity, whether it was depression or bi-polar disorder. Yes, suicide is as selfish as it gets. If you kill one's self you affect more than yourself. However, without knowing what kind of mental instabilities he had and without knowing what was going on in his life, who's to say he's an idiot?

I'm just trying to look at it from the other side, that's all. I've been through some similar shit to what he may have been going through, so I feel a bit of sympathy for him, but mostly for his family and friends.

If people were knowing more about drugs they wouldn't make comments like that.

Accidental overdose means an overdose that has been caused by undesired effects. What I mean, it is normally you can take drugs with having the effect adding each others, but in this case the sum of all the drugs he has taken caused much more than the sum of all the effects . Sometime in pharmacy, things like that happen and with the research you try dodging these "over-add". Sometimes, this is impossible because you never know how the body will act on the drugs and vice-versa.

Blame the drug dealer for not noticing him that these cannot be taken simultaneously and with alcohol. Even prescribing Oxydocone is not really a thing to do(see that in my pharm course) We don't have these problems in Quebec because we have competent people.

P.S Blame Me for having such a bad english and cannot truly explain what I means -.-

All the people talking shit obviously dont actually know someone thats been through an OD.

I do, but people know the consequences for mixing drugs and alcohol. There is little to no excuse for "accidentally" mixing "Oxycodone, Oxymorphone, Diazepam/Nordiazepam and ethanol". That is where my sympathy for anything other than his death ends.

Like buckfutter said though, no one actually knows wether he was mentally stable or not. A normal person would see that coming a mile away, but if he was under some serious stress/depression/etc he mightve just been desperate for something to help him cope. Im not saying thats the right way to cope but a lot of people dont know any better.

yeah, almost every "tragic musician death" in history could've easily been avoided (unless you subscribe to the Elliott Smith and Kurt Cobain murder conspiracies). Why aren't people talking shit about Elvis or Layne Staley?

"I do, but people know the consequences for mixing drugs and alcohol. There is little to no excuse for "accidentally" mixing "Oxycodone, Oxymorphone, Diazepam/Nordiazepam and ethanol". That is where my sympathy for anything other than his death ends."

Do you have any clue what the amounts were? Do you know exactly what his reactions to the drugs were? No, so stop making the assumption that the guy is an idiot or shut the fuck up. It's that simple. At least have some sympathy for the person. If it was an accident, then give your condolenses and move on. If it was on purpose, you have no clue what the guy was going through. For all we know the guy could have been a manic depressive and had no other way out. Some people are sick that way and will never get better. I'm not condoning suicide, but there is more to it than just "oh, what an idiot."

"Why aren't people talking shit about Elvis or Layne Staley?
because they were worthwhile contributors to music. Oh and Elvis' death is kinda lulzy if you listen to what his personal physician claims. "

So once again we judge whether a person should be remembered is by their talent level/contribution to the arts, and not the content of their character? That's bullshit, dude.

Ya know, if there was a news article out tomorrow morning about Jesse Lacey committing suicide, this whole site would shut down in mourning. The following day, on the thread, everyone would be praising the guy for being "a good guy" or "a great contributor to the art," and I'm not saying he shouldn't be. That should be the way it is with every suicide/overdose, though, not just the ones you like. It's fucking tragic, whether you like what he did for music or not

Do you have any clue what the amounts were? Do you know exactly what his reactions to the drugs were? No, so stop making the assumption that the guy is an idiot or shut the fuck up. It's that simple. At least have some sympathy for the person. If it was an accident, then give your condolenses and move on. If it was on purpose, you have no clue what the guy was going through. For all we know the guy could have been a manic depressive and had no other way out. Some people are sick that way and will never get better. I'm not condoning suicide, but there is more to it than just "oh, what an idiot."

I've been through depression and known MANY others that went through the same thing. The bottom line is that drugs and alcohol should NEVER be mixed, in any quantity. As I've said before, the family and friends have my condolences, and I thought he was a great drummer. This is no more tragic than any other death though.

"I've been through depression and known MANY others that went through the same thing. The bottom line is that drugs and alcohol should NEVER be mixed, in any quantity. As I've said before, the family and friends have my condolences, and I thought he was a great drummer. This is no more tragic than any other death though."

Dude, I'm right there with you. I've been through basically all of the above. But some people, unfortunately, seem to think that just because he's in a band they don't like that this ISN'T as tragic as another death. And you're right, this isn't anymore tragic than any other death.

I saw you're original comment inveigh..... lol
It's been 35 years. It's okay to joke about something like that over a period of time. However, the medical report just came out on the Rev, so this is too fresh to joke about

You are focusing too much on the hypotheticals. "It could have been suicide, so don't call him an idiot." That is a laughable argument. And it doesn't even matter if it was 2, 3, or 4 of each drug; only 1 of each, washed down with alcohol, is incredibly STUPID. No sympathy there.

If you go back to the deaths of Jimi Hendrix or of Kurt Cobain and see the mourning masses and saw what was in their hearts, you would see that they were not saddened because a man with honorable character had passed; they were saddened because someone so talented, and who had contributed so much to the arts, would never write another song or play another show. Their character is a facet we can't, or couldn't, see.

"wait, Elvis died from the constipation from the pain killers?"
His colon was 2 and a half times the size of a normal person's leading to some gnarly shits. mix that with drugs, high blood pressure from trying to lay a brick, and an enlarged heart with an abnormal heartbeat and you get the man died trying to take a shit.

Not necessarily, considering, in my humble opinion, this wasn't accidental. This was on purpose. I think he wanted to die, just because the combinations are too dangerous not to. However, once again, someone wanting to die and following through doesn't make him an idiot. It makes him a sick person, and something was definitely not screwed in tight enough in his head. Give the guy a break. Sure, as I said before, suicide is a selfish, selfish act, but so is calling him an idiot because you think you know what his mindset was.

All I'm saying is that if he was looking for a high, he's an idiot using that concoction. If the OD
was intentional that's a deeper psychological problem that shouldn't be trivialized, but since the
article is claiming it was unintentional he's an idiot.

Well, I just know that if it was accidental, it wasn't very smart. However, that doesn't mean people should be coming on here claiming that the guy is an idiot. Whatever happened to respecting the dead?

It was well known and he and the band have never hidden the fact that they're partial to a bit of drug fuelled madness. Although why he'd be "prescribed" oxycodone i'm not sure as i'm pretty sure it's a drug given to cancer patients. But it's still a massivley unfortunate turn of events that have cost the rev his life. Another great talent lost. R.I.P The Rev

I'm with most of you on this. Yeah, it obviously wasn't a great choice to go and mix so much lethal shit together, but who knows what was going on in head. It's not our place to judge the guy's character or personal life.

Idiot overdoses on pills he doesn't have a prescription for while mixing them with alcohol, lesson
to everyone.

a) Drugs are bad, mmkay?
b) Read warning labels on the pill case (aka DON'T TAKE WITH ALCOHOL, even if you do have a
legitimate prescription)

I can separate the drummer and the man, and while the drummer was good and a loss, the man was
fucking stupid.

Maybe I don't know what he was going through, but being human, we all go through a lot of shit.
Drugs are a cop out coping mechanism - nut up and deal with your shit like a man.

Why? Well, there's a lot lower risk of death and a lot more self-satisfaction, for one. Two, it's
cheaper and legal. I don't know that the fucker wouldn't have drunk himself to death anyway, but if
he did, he was either stupid or had a death wish.

So yeah, no sympathy for an accidental overdose. That's just "Weee, I'm having fun, nothing bad
could happen to me" - dead.

Not necessarily, considering, in my humble opinion, this wasn't accidental. This was on purpose. I think he wanted to die, just because the combinations are too dangerous not to.

I doubt that this was a suicide or that he wanted to die. I'm sure him and the rest of the band have all mixed drugs and alcohol plenty of times in the past and have still lived. Lots of people think that they won't die out of some psychological sense of invincibility, he just took it too far this time.

I mean, one of my friends met Johnny Christ in a hotel lounge after a show and was brought back to A7X's room to meet the band. Drugs, cocaine and alcohol everywhere, this was years ago, I'm sure they were all passed out that night and many others. I don't think The Rev expected not to wake up this time.

Dude was a good drummer but not the best. Like Dimebag and the many before him, people have proclaimed this dude to be THE BEST when he simply was just....okay. Not trying to take away from the guy but he's definitely not a drum legend.

You know, I definitely expected it to be something like this. And I'm sure a lot of other people did, too.

Death is ALWAYS a sad thing. Always. But to an extent, I agree with the people who aren't necessarily affected. I mean, if a complete stranger died, you wouldn't feel sad. Why? Because you don't care strongly about the person. Now, quite a few people don't like Avenged Sevenfold, so they don't really care about the band members - so they're not going to be sad if one of them dies, right?

And of course this apathy is only made stronger by the way he died. I hate to say it, but I agree that it was stupid to take so many drugs TOGETHER WITH ALCOHOL. But regardless, I have respect for him, because I have no idea what he had been through, and it's not up to me to decide whether or not he was a stupid person. RIP Jimmy Sullivan. (Man, I do hate those stage names.)

How does the coroner know how he died? Does he go back in time and watch it through a gyroscope?

The levels of each substance within his system were likely close enough to a normal limit that they ascertained that he wasn't trying to kill himself by overdosing - i.e. taking a handful of pills and chugging Jack Daniel's.

i am legitimately sorry for anyone that dies because of anything outside of their own will/power. but when you choose to do something like drink and drug-up, and then OD, i dont feel sorry for you. same thing with suicide.
why should i feel bad about/mourn someone wanting to die?

I have to wonder when people say to read warning labels and whatnot. I'm sure he knew not to mix them together, who doesn't nowadays, but I don't know what makes any of you think that under the influence of possibly a lot of painkillers that you'd be able to think logically and/or clearly at all.

Either way though, R.I.P. It's never a good thing when someone so young passes away, especially someone who influenced many lives in some way or another.

I have to wonder when people say to read warning labels and whatnot. I'm sure he knew not to mix them together, who doesn't nowadays, but I don't know what makes any of you think that under the influence of possibly a lot of painkillers that you'd be able to think logically and/or clearly at all.

Which is why you read before you do them, don't exceed the recommended dosage, and don't mix things. You don't follow the warnings, you risk shit like this, duh.

It was obviously his intention to do so, probably before he was even under the influence of anything, but it's just a way of saying "Well, it said this would happen on the label, it's your own dumb fault you didn't read/adhere to it."

And btw... I really dont kno how some of these people think their comments are funny... How low do you have to go that you use someones death to try get attention by making stupid ass comments... Once you immature little fucks get out of your teens hopefully youll learn a little respect...

Been reading this site for a few years now. Have discovered tons of bands and artists. Thank you Sputnik.

However. The elitist "I can do no wrong " attitude on here is beyond ridiculous.

There is such thing as accidental overdoses to those who beg to differ.

For those who call him an idiot and selfish. Well you only have to look in the mirror. Most on here probably have their own addictions that they can not see and when they die. Well by their own definition they are an idiot and foolish.

Do you drink Coke and Pepsi and the like?
Well there is your adult onset diabetes. You fool!

Do you drink a car?
Well your selfish behavior played a part in the oil spill that will kill millions/billions? when the final tally is done. You Idiots!! All of you!! Especially those who live in the Gulf States. Have fun! Aww Daddy's Shrimp/Hotel/Beach Business that you were going to inherit. Guess what? Gone forever! All because you had to have that Jeep Liberty on you 16th Birthday so you could impress your cousin Betsy Sue into that night that led to your marriage and eventual divorce so you can leave her for your Aunt!

I could go on and on. Doesn't feel good when the shoe is on the other foot now does it?

For the record I don't wish diabetes on anyone and this Gulf Spill should have never happened and it really is a truly disgusting mess.

ummm no your points are too retarded to even acknowledge with a counter argument. I'll say one thing, as a former drug addict, it is pretty much impossible to accidentally when you put those combined substances into your body. It's like if someone were to ingest a bunch of Cyanide and then call that accidental.

^say that when 2 days after stopping oxy when you're throwing up, shitting every 6 seconds, sweating but freezing cold, have insomia and basically feel like death.

silentpotato. thanks it was definitely hard as hell. It just got to the point where i knew if i kept doing it, my life would spiral out of control, so I just resolved to quit no matter what. and did it cold turkey.

srsly though. sputnik is going down the tubes. what happened to saying rip respectfully to a musician who died before his time without putting some snide remark in. or anyone who died before their time for that matter.

Ok, wait, can we please rewind and get back to the fact that 'guitarsandamps' said:

"Do you drink Coke and Pepsi and the like?
Well there is your adult onset diabetes. You fool!

Do you drink a car?
Well your selfish behavior played a part in the oil spill that will kill millions/billions? when the final tally is done. You Idiots!! All of you!! Especially those who live in the Gulf States. Have fun! Aww Daddy's Shrimp/Hotel/Beach Business that you were going to inherit. Guess what? Gone forever! All because you had to have that Jeep Liberty on you 16th Birthday so you could impress your cousin Betsy Sue into that night that led to your marriage and eventual divorce so you can leave her for your Aunt!"

Well by your own admission you started out, as almost everyone does, with a smaller dose and built up a tolerance to that drug.

Ever hear of a tolerance break? Tolerance breaks happen. Some take a few days others are sudden. Very easy to OD with a dose you thought you could handle but your tolerance just was not up to par at that time.

"Do you drink Coke and Pepsi and the like?
Well there is your adult onset diabetes. You fool!

Do you drink a car?
Well your selfish behavior played a part in the oil spill that will kill millions/billions? when the final tally is done. You Idiots!! All of you!! Especially those who live in the Gulf States. Have fun! Aww Daddy's Shrimp/Hotel/Beach Business that you were going to inherit. Guess what? Gone forever! All because you had to have that Jeep Liberty on you 16th Birthday so you could impress your cousin Betsy Sue into that night that led to your marriage and eventual divorce so you can leave her for your Aunt!"

Hahahha, that's hilarious! The only point you made is that you're half-retarded. Aside from the execrable grammar and punctuation...how in the hell do you equate taking two kinds of opiates and an anxiety medication with alcohol to drinking Pepsi?

And I don't think that any of us drink our cars.

And because you drive a car you're responsible for the oil spill? How does one even begin to formulate such a hypothesis? The stupidity is incredible!

And I haven't even mentioned the incestuous Louisianan discourse. Oh my.

How do I equate it? I am talk about the blame that people throw at each other when they themselves are doing very similar things that damages themselves and others.

It's not always apples to apples. That is why analogies are needed. Very easy for a strung out Cocaine addict to point a finger at a Heroin Junkie and say " Look at that idiot. Oh my god he has a needle in his arm! I would never do that! No wonder why he died! I mean come on!" Just before the sound of his heart failing from years of coke use makes it's presence.

I see it all the time with 400lb people who hang out at buffet lines. You will time and time again see someone with a major food addiction pass judgment on say an alcoholic and call them an drunk or a drug addict. Meanwhile they are eating 5 Hardee's Monster Thick Burgers in a single sitting. The ensuing heart attack at 35 kills them long before cirrhosis sets in.

Not everyone who combines those drugs dies. I agree it is a stupid move, but everyone is guilty of their own stupid mistakes.

I am half retarded to sheep such as yourself who try and become hip by joining a site like this so they can all agree and disagree on the same bands and make each other feel all warm and fuzzy inside.

"I am half retarded to sheep such as yourself who try and become hip by joining a site like this so they can all agree and disagree on the same bands and make each other feel all warm and fuzzy inside."

Hey, good point, except you forgot to not sound like you have no idea what you were talking about. Judging by the fact that every single one of your posts, ever, has been on this argument, you only made an account to argue with us here. What the hell is that? Have you ever written an album review? Have you ever contributed ANYTHING to this site? Maybe if you actually knew what you were doing, we would give a shit about what you had to say about the site, but for now just cool it.

All of this is pointless. Arguing over whether someone's death is accidental or not - as entertaining as it was to read through it all, I have to admit that it is stupid. He died and there is nothing that can justify or unjustify death.

My friend Stephen accidentally overdosed at a party house I was at almost every week a few years ago. Bad times for everyone it was less than a year after he graduated too. He was such a nice guy. RIP Prayers go to him and to Sullivan's family and also to everyone in the world it's a sad thing to deal with the loss of a loved one.